Domestic Partnership in Long Beach, CA: Requirements & Process

Long Beach maintains its own city-level domestic partnership registry — separate from California's state registry (Secretary of State). Here's how to register.

Eligibility (Both Partners Must)

• Be ≥18 years old.
• Not be married or in another domestic partnership / civil union.
• Not be related by blood/adoption in a way that would prohibit marriage in CA.
• Share a common residence in Long Beach (both listed at same LB address).
• Intend to remain mutually committed indefinitely; share basic living expenses.

Process

1. Obtain Form: "Declaration of Domestic Partnership" — Long Beach City Clerk website or office (411 W Ocean Blvd, 1st Floor).
2. Complete & Notarize: Both sign before a notary public.
3. File In Person or By Mail: City Clerk's Office + $45 filing fee (check/money order to "City of Long Beach").
4. Receive Certificate: Mailed within 10 business days.

Rights & Benefits (City-Level)

• Hospital visitation / medical decision-making (LB hospitals).
• City employee benefits: health/dental/vision for partner (if employee opts in).
• Bereavement leave, sick leave for partner care (city employees).
• Recognition for housing, recreation programs, emergency notification.

Limitations

• Not recognized outside Long Beach (except by voluntary private entities).
• No state/federal rights: taxes, Social Security, immigration, inheritance, parental rights.
• Not a marriage alternative: CA state domestic partnership (Sec. of State) provides near-marital rights — file there for broader protection.

State vs. City Registry

Recommendation

If you qualify for the state registry, use it — it's portable and legally robust. Use Long Beach city registry only if you're ineligible for state (e.g., opposite-sex <62) and need local hospital/employee recognition.